Toronto FC has strengthened its defense by signing free-agent center back, Walker Zimmerman, a two-time MLS Defender of the Year, for the 2027-28 MLS season. Zimmerman, a 32-year-old U.S. international, brings 13 years of Major League Soccer experience, having played for FC Dallas, Los Angeles FC, and most recently Nashville SC. He is a five-time MLS Best XI honoree, four-time MLS All-Star, and two-time MLS Defender of the Year.
With Toronto parting ways with veteran defenders Kevin Long, Raoul Petretta, and Sigurd Rosted, the addition of Zimmerman was crucial to provide experience alongside younger players in the backline. The team also bid farewell to goalkeeper Sean Johnson, who joined D.C. United as a free agent.
Zimmerman’s signing follows Toronto’s acquisition of Brazilian left back, Matheus Pereira, from CD Santa Clara. The 25-year-old has been signed through the 2027-28 MLS season, with an option for 2028-29.
Toronto’s defensive performance improved under first-year head coach Robin Fraser in the 2025 season, finishing tied for seventh in the league in goals conceded per game. However, the team struggled offensively, leading General Manager Jason Hernandez to continue the search for a top-tier attacker.
Zimmerman’s arrival is seen as one of Toronto FC’s most significant defensive signings since Drew Moor’s arrival in 2015, which had a positive impact on the team’s defensive record. Moor’s influence was evident as Toronto progressed to the MLS Cup final in 2016 and won the championship in 2017.
Zimmerman, with an extensive MLS career, has been a key figure for Nashville since its expansion season in 2020, appearing in numerous games and demonstrating his leadership on the field. Despite his considerable salary as a designated player in the previous season, Toronto used targeted allocation money to secure Zimmerman’s services.
Expressing his excitement about joining Toronto FC, Zimmerman acknowledged the club’s esteemed history and expressed eagerness to contribute to its success. He was initially drafted by FC Dallas in 2013 before moving on to Los Angeles FC and eventually Nashville SC in a series of trades within the league.